Ferndale library hosts benefit concert to combat budget cuts

Ferndale Public Library staffers are determined to overcome this year's budget cuts by holding a "Rock for Books" benefit rock concert to raise donations for the library.

The concert will be hosted at The Loving Touch pool hall and music venue in Downtown Ferndale on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. and will feature local acts, including Caveman Woodman, The Audionics, Old Empire and Due North. The price is a $5 suggested donation for ages 21 and up and $8 for ages 18-21.

According to a press release, the library's tax revenues have decreased by $300,000 since 2009. The library is facing an $80,000 deficit this year alone, and that means budget cuts for the materials fund, which includes the purchase of new books, music and movies.

The release also stated that the Ferndale Public Library "will not be reducing service hours, nor staff shifts/wages" because of the deficit, but will be stepping up fundraising efforts instead, such as the Rock for Books concert.

The idea to host a benefit rock concert to combat these budget cuts came from Ferndale residents and library staffers Jordan Wright, a Youth Services Library Assistant, and Jeff Milo, a library circulation specialist.

Wright, a 25-year-old recent addition to the Ferndale Library staff, said he and Milo "both come from rock 'n' roll backgrounds" and thought this event would be a good way to help out the library and also have a little fun." Wright is also the guitarist of Due North, one of the local bands that will be playing.

"There are a lot of people who will come just to help out the library," he said. "But people will also come for the music."

Milo, age 29, is a freelance music writer in addition to his library position and picked the four bands to be featured at the event.

"I have interviewed or reviewed the works of several bands, these four included," he said. "I reached out and all were more than willing to join the cause."

As for the type of music, Milo said there's a little bit of everything.

"You're going to get quite a wide range of styles, sounds and genres with these groups," he said. "A bit of pop, a bit of punk, a bit of old school prog-rock psychedelia, and two dudes in loin clothes banging out loud and crazy anthems ... should be interesting."

Wright said he is confident that the event will turn out a sizeable crowd.

"I'd like to see between $500 and $1,000 raised," Wright said. "I'd be really happy with that."